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Multiple Choice
Which of the following formulas can represent an alkyne?
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B
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D
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1
Recall the general molecular formulas for different types of hydrocarbons: alkanes have the formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), alkenes have \(C_nH_{2n}\), and alkynes have \(C_nH_{2n-2}\).
Understand that alkynes contain a carbon-carbon triple bond, which reduces the number of hydrogen atoms compared to alkanes and alkenes, hence the \(-2\) in the formula \(C_nH_{2n-2}\).
Compare each given formula to these general formulas to identify which one matches the alkyne pattern.
Note that \(C_nH_{2n+2}\) corresponds to alkanes (single bonds only), \(C_nH_{2n}\) corresponds to alkenes (one double bond), and \(C_nH_{2n-2}\) corresponds to alkynes (one triple bond).
Conclude that the formula \(C_nH_{2n-2}\) correctly represents an alkyne because it accounts for the triple bond by having two fewer hydrogens than an alkene.